PORTLAND is set to play host to an annual gathering of climbers and walkers.

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) will hold its AGM on the island in April.

The event is expected to attract around 100 people from across the country to stay over a long weekend.

President of the BMC Scott Titt, who lives in Swanage, said Portland is the perfect venue as it offers ‘something for everyone’.

He said: “We always try to move the event around the country as we don’t want to be too biased around London or Manchester.

“It has been held in the north for the past few years, so we wanted to hold it somewhere on the south coast and I was happy to recommend my home county.”

The gathering will include the BMC’s annual agenda setting matters such as approving the accounts and choosing representatives, but Mr Titt said there will be plenty of time for members to enjoy Portland’s ‘beautiful countryside’.

He said: “We represent climbers and walkers and there is something for everyone to do here.

“We try to make it quite social, and some local experts will be giving talks and guided walks.

“We’ve also got some very well-known climbers coming down to hold some masterclasses.”

Mr Titt added that he hoped the event would give a boost to Portland’s economy. People attending the event will be travelling to the area on Friday, April 25 and staying until Sunday, April 27.

He said: “There is a range of accommodation being used and of course there’s all the local facilities as well.

“This sort of event is something Portland could do really well at. The cliffs are just fantastic and it is so easy to access the South West Coast Path. There are miles of outdoor activities to be had right on the doorstep.”